The Pivot questionnaire will never be the same again.
James Lipton is stepping down as host and executive producer of Inside the Actors Studio. Filling Lipton’s very big shoes is a rotating list of guest hosts.
“It’s very gratifying to see the legacy of Inside The Actors Studio being carried forward for a new generation to appreciate and enjoy,” Lipton said in a statement. “I made a vow early on that we would not deal in gossip — only in craft, and Ovation, as a network dedicated to the arts, will continue that tradition with the next seasons of the series. I’m excited to see the new hosts engage with the guests and students and continue to entertain viewers in the US and around the world.”
A separate statement came from Bravo, who has been the home of the show for over two decades.
“Inside the Actors Studio was Bravo’s first original series, getting 19 Emmy nominations and an Emmy win over the last 24 years, and it will always be a part our family. We’ve had a legendary run with Jim and we’ve all enjoyed his unique interview style, comprehensive research, intimate conversations and his impact on pop culture. With Jim at the helm, the series became a must stop for A-List Hollywood and creative talent. Now that there will be a new host, we felt it was time to close this chapter and pass the baton.”
In fall 2019, the series will move from Bravo to Ovation. Scott Woodward, executive vice president of programming and production at Ovation, said in a statement, “Ovation is dedicated to supporting The Actors Studio’s commitment to providing the best educational resources for its students. In so doing, we will uphold the high standard set by James Lipton for excellence in producing programming that is multicultural, informational, enlightening and entertaining. We look forward to introducing a whole new generation to the craft of acting through vibrant new hosts and guests that we will begin to announce in the coming months.”
Over the years the show hosted a slew of Hollywood A-listers including Tom Hanks, Jim Carrey, Meryl Streep, Viola Davis, Barbra Streisand, James Gandolfini and many, many more.
Think it’s time to ask Lipton: “What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?”
